Called to Kindness

My life seems chaotic sometimes, making “giveback” videos and surprising people all over the world. I’m trying to slow down, go deeper, and work on things that will last.

Some people spoke life into me along the way, and my mission is to carry that on. It’s easy to think of all the reasons you’re disqualified from doing something great with your life. Maybe you didn’t grow up in a small town with loving and supportive parents. Texting family and friends back might be a struggle for you—forget about reaching out to strangers or building and managing an online presence. You might not see yourself as outgoing or funny or the creative type.

None of that matters. God is looking for individuals, not copies. You are not disqualified. Our Father has no favorites. We are all His favorite.

God needs nurses and schoolteachers and people who cut hair and do it with conviction. I believe that whatever God calls you to do should be a blast because you’re living for an audience of one.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be difficult days. Whatever you do, you’re going to face opposition. You will fail and you’ll struggle with doubt. Failure and struggle are like God’s college. That’s how He teaches and shapes us into what we’re supposed to be.

Even when I was waiting tables—even when I was clearing tables and washing dishes—I was living purposefully in that place because my purpose is to express love through my life, whether I’m rolling silverware or working in partnership with the NFL.

Circumstances may change, but that central purpose never will. Whether I have a billion followers or only one, the message remains. It was true before me, and it will still be true long after I’m gone. No matter what you believe or what you have done, I want to let you know that you are radically loved.

Every day we have a choice. Choose love. Choose kindness. Speak life. Change lives. I truly believe that the most fun we can have on this planet is to spread joy and kindness like a virus. If you want the craziest, most fun-filled adventure you could ever imagine, choose to follow Jesus.

I don’t think I’ll receive any trophies in heaven for doing this work. The Bible says if everyone knows, you’ve already received your reward. Generosity should be a way of life, so natural to us that we don’t even think about it. It’s uncomfortable when someone tries to tell me how much good I’m doing or that I’m changing the world. Thanks, but my ego doesn’t need to hear that. My main focus is cultivating a lifestyle in private that’s pleasing to God.

There’s nothing special about me. God has called me to a life of undercover kindness, and it’s no better or worse than being an operations manager or sandwich artist. The real undercover heroes are the ones who watch the videos and give sacrificially to help a stranger get much-needed surgery, transportation, or a place to live.

Maybe you don’t help hundreds. Just help one. All you have to be willing to do is step out in faith and walk in love. Just a little can make all the difference in the world.

God calls us to encourage and change the world, no matter how small your world might be. Whether it’s your community, your school or job, your neighborhood, or even just your home. We are all influencers. So, why not inspire the kind of revolution that’s bigger than all the crazy stuff that tears us apart?

I want to see amazing signs and wonders, lives changed, and live-streamed miracles that no one can deny. Strangers blessed, adventures and new friends, old folks and little children laughing in wide-eyed surprise. Even if I never see those things in my lifetime, I won’t quit. I don’t care if the internet disappears and we go from TikTok back to hand-cranked radios. I’ll still be finding people, telling them they are amazing, and spreading Christmas cheer, even if it’s the middle of August. As long as I am able, every day. That’s candy.

Some worry that I don’t offer enough sermon tie-ins or theological insights, but I think that might miss the point. Undercover kindness is spontaneous, stepping out with childlike faith. If I’m out on the streets looking sad, hungry, or desperate, I believe God will show up and send somebody to help. When we help each other, it’s a sermon that goes beyond words.

I’ve learned that kindness can break the hardest heart. Remember that God loves you for who you are and He thinks you’re hilarious. And I love and appreciate every one of you. You’re amazing!

Jimmy Darts is known for his “random acts of kindness” and “giveback” videos on social media that inspire more than 20 million followers to pay it forward. He will be featured on LIFE TODAY on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 29 and 30. Adapted from Undercover Kindness by Jimmy Darts with Jamie Blaine. Copyright © 2025 by Jimmy Darts, LLC. Published by Convergent, an imprint of Random House (Penguin Random House LLC). Used by permission.